Everyone has a little stress in their life once in a while. We may find ourselves worrying about whether or not we are going to be accepted for a promotion or if we are gaining too much weight. Even children can get stressed out over something like not wanting to go to the doctor or being left at the babysitter. The difference between normal everyday stress and anxiety disorders can be difficult to see from a distance but you should be able to figure it out if you are suffering from an anxiety disorder.
Are You Obsessed?
For example, if you find yourself worrying constantly about the same thing such as whether you locked the door or turned off the lights, you may have an anxiety disorder such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Recurring thoughts and obsessions are common characteristics of OCD. This disorder can also cause you to do something over and over such as washing your hands or counting things.
Worried About Everything All the Time
Now, if you are worrying about all sorts of things all day long, even random things that have nothing to do with anything, this could be generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It causes you to be on edge all day long, anxious and stressed out about nothing in particular but you just cannot shake the feelings of anxiety. GAD also causes insomnia, muscle tension (especially in the neck, shoulders, and back), trouble concentrating, fatigue, and constant restlessness. This is the most common form of anxiety disorder and affects more than 40% of adults in the United States. Online therapy can help with this as well.
Panic Attacks
Panic disorder is another form of anxiety disorder that can cause sudden anxiety attacks (panic attacks) out of the blue for no obvious reason. This disabling illness is actually quite common as well and is found in about 3% of American adults. These attacks are extremely scary and can seem bad enough to be fatal to those who are having one. The rapid heart rate, sweating, hyperventilating, shaking, nausea, and dizziness can make you truly feel like you are dying. But, so far, nobody has actually died from a panic attack. However, you should speak to a professional about your anxiety so you can find out how to tame those attacks.
Fear of People
Social anxiety disorder is an interesting form of anxiety that causes you to be extremely self-conscious in front of people. These can even be friends or family members. You just do not like to be around people. You may feel like you are being judged or that others are talking about you or laughing at you. This can cause you to start avoiding people and places, making it difficult to keep a job or go to school. You may even feel nauseous or dizzy at the thought of seeing people. Sweating, shaking, and blushing are also some signs of social anxiety disorder. If you have any of these issues, a therapist or another mental health professional can help you.
Talking to Strangers
No matter what, if you are feeling anxious or worried enough for it to disrupt your life or even causes physical symptoms, you should talk to someone. It never hurts to get some help from someone who actually knows what you are going through. There are free chat rooms and support groups online that can help you find others who share your pain and may have some tips to help you. What have you got to lose?
About the author: Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
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